News

Feral Goat program underway at Powers Lookout

Monday 28 October, 2013

Parks Victoria along with the Wodonga branch of Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) have completed the first phase of a land-based goat eradication program at Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve this past weekend.

The increasing feral goat population at Powers Lookout has prompted this concentrated program to commence to halt the potential threat of feral goats spreading into the nearby Alpine National Park.

The program aims to eradicate isolated populations from high conservation value areas, as well as

promote the maintenance and recovery of ecological communities that are being impacted by feral goats.

SSAA spokesperson Stuart Geyer said that a thorough reconnaissance of a known goat location was undertaken within the park over the weekend. The intelligence gathered confirmed goat movements within and across the boundaries of the park which was a good result.

“The SSAA members involved in the feral goat eradication program are experienced and trained in undertaking the operation humanely. And the methods used for this project are being modelled off similar projects that have occurred already in the Upper Murray Region”.

“During these operations, the safety of SSAA members, Parks Victoria staff, neighbouring landholders and visitors is a primary consideration”, said Mr Geyer.

Parks Victoria Ranger In Charge, Bart Smith said to have the additional support, skill and experience of the SSAA volunteers has been invaluable for this project.

“We look forward to using the intelligence that has been sourced for planning the next stage of the program”, said Mr Smith.

Feral goats pose a major threat to environmental and agricultural values. Land degradation by feral goats is listed as a key threatening process under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

For further information, contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.